SOYBEAN EVENT pDAB9582.814.19.1 DETECTION METHOD

ABSTRACT

Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1 comprises genes encoding Cry1F, Cry1Ac (synpro), and PAT, affording insect resistance and herbicide tolerance to soybean crops containing the event, and enabling methods for crop protection and protection of stored products. The invention provides PCR event detection methods.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application claims priority to Provisional Application No. 61/511,658, filed Jul. 26, 2011, which is herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

BACKGROUND OF INVENTION

The genes encoding Cry1F and Cry1Ac synpro (Cry1Ac) are capable of imparting insect resistance, e.g. resistance to lepidopteran insects, to transgenic plants; and the gene encoding PAT (phosphinotrhicin acetyltransferase) is capable of imparting tolerance to the herbicide phoshpinothricin (glufosinate) to transgenic plants. PAT has been successfully expressed in soybean for use both as a selectable marker in producing insect resistant transgenic crops, and to impart commercial levels of tolerance to the herbicide glufosinate in transgenic crops.

The expression of foreign genes in plants is known to be influenced by their location in the plant genome, perhaps due to chromatin structure (e.g., heterochromatin) or the proximity of transcriptional regulatory elements (e.g., enhancers) close to the integration site (Weising et al., Ann. Rev. Genet 22:421-477, 1988). At the same time the presence of the transgene at different locations in the genome will influence the overall phenotype of the plant in different ways. For this reason, it is often necessary to screen a large number of events in order to identify an event characterized by optimal expression of an introduced gene of interest. For example, it has been observed in plants and in other organisms that there may be a wide variation in levels of expression of an introduced gene among events. There may also be differences in spatial or temporal patterns of expression, for example, differences in the relative expression of a transgene in various plant tissues, that may not correspond to the patterns expected from transcriptional regulatory elements present in the introduced gene construct. For this reason, it is common to produce hundreds to thousands of different events and screen those events for a single event that has desired transgene expression levels and patterns for commercial purposes. An event that has desired levels or patterns of transgene expression is useful for introgressing the transgene into other genetic backgrounds by sexual outcrossing using conventional breeding methods. Progeny of such crosses maintain the transgene expression characteristics of the original transformant. This strategy is used to ensure reliable gene expression in a number of varieties that are well adapted to local growing conditions.

It is desirable to be able to detect the presence of a particular event in order to determine whether progeny of a sexual cross contain a transgene or group of transgenes of interest. In addition, a method for detecting a particular event would be helpful for complying with regulations requiring the pre-market approval and labeling of foods derived from recombinant crop plants, for example, or for use in environmental monitoring, monitoring traits in crops in the field, or monitoring products derived from a crop harvest, as well as for use in ensuring compliance of parties subject to regulatory or contractual terms.

It is possible to detect the presence of a transgenic event by any nucleic acid detection method known in the art including, but not limited to, the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or DNA hybridization using nucleic acid probes. These detection methods generally focus on frequently used genetic elements, such as promoters, terminators, marker genes, etc., because for many DNA constructs, the coding region is interchangeable. As a result, such methods may not be useful for discriminating between different events, particularly those produced using the same DNA construct or very similar constructs unless the DNA sequence of the flanking DNA adjacent to the inserted heterologous DNA is known. For example, an event-specific PCR assay is described in United States Patent Application 2006/0070139 for maize event DAS-59122-7. It would be desirable to have a simple and discriminative method for the identification of Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a method for detecting a new insect resistant and herbicide tolerant transgenic soybean transformation event, designated Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. As part of this disclosure at least 2500 seeds of a soybean line comprising soybean event 9582.814.19.1 were deposited with the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Boulevard, Manassas, Va., 20110. The deposit, ATCC Patent Deposit Designation PTA-12006, was received by the ATCC on Jul. 21, 2011. This deposit was made and will be maintained in accordance with and under the terms of the Budapest Treaty with respect to seed deposits for the purposes of patent procedure.

The DNA of soybean plants containing this event includes the junction/flanking sequences described herein that characterize the location of the inserted DNA within the soybean genome. SEQ ID NO:1 and SEQ ID NO:2 are diagnostic for Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. More particularly, sequences surrounding the junctions at bp 1400/1401 and bp 1536/1537 of SEQ ID NO:1, and bp 152/153 of SEQ ID NO:2 are diagnostic for Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Paragraph [0009] below describes examples of sequences comprising these junctions that are characteristic of DNA of soybeans containing Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

The invention provides a method of detecting Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1 in a sample comprising soybean DNA, said method comprising:

-   -   (a) contacting said sample with a first primer at least 10 bp in         length that selectively binds to a flanking sequence within bp         1-1400 of SEQ ID NO:1 or the complement thereof, and a second         primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to an         insert sequence within bp 1401-1836 of SEQ ID NO:1 or the         complement thereof; and     -   (b) assaying for an amplicon generated between said primers; or         contacting said sample with a first primer at least 10 bp in         length that selectively binds to an insert sequence within bp         1-152 of SEQ ID NO:2 or the complement thereof, and a second         primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to         flanking sequence within bp 153-1550 of SEQ ID NO:2 or the         complement thereof; and     -   (c) assaying for an amplicon generated between said primers.

In another embodiment the invention provides an isolated DNA molecule that is diagnostic for Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Such molecules include, in addition to SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2, molecules at least 25 bp in length comprising bp 1400-1401 of SEQ ID NO:1 and at least 10 bp of SEQ ID NO:1 in each direction from the bp 1400/1401 junction; amplicons at least 25 bp in length comprising 152-153 of SEQ ID NO:2 and at least 10 bp of SEQ ID NO:2 in each direction from the bp 152/153 junction. Examples are bp 1385-1415 of SEQ ID NO:1; bp 1350-1450 of SEQ ID NO:1; bp 1300-1500 of SEQ ID NO:1; bp 1200-1600 of SEQ ID NO:1; bp 137-168 of SEQ ID NO:2; bp 103-203 of SEQ ID NO:2; and bp 3-303 of SEQ ID NO:2, and complements thereof.

Additionally, the subject invention provides assays for detecting the presence of the subject event in a sample (of soybeans, for example). The assays can be based on the DNA sequence of the recombinant construct, inserted into the soybean genome, and on the genomic sequences flanking the insertion site. Kits and conditions useful in conducting the assays are also provided.

The subject invention relates in part to the cloning and analysis of the DNA sequences of the border regions resulting from insertion of T-DNA from pDAB9582 in transgenic soybean lines. These sequences are unique. Based on the insert and junction sequences, event-specific primers can be and were generated. PCR analysis demonstrated that these events can be identified bp analysis of the PCR amplicons generated with these event-specific primer sets. Thus, these and other related procedures can be used to uniquely identify soybean lines comprising the event of the subject invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEQUENCES

SEQ ID NO:1 is the 5′ DNA flanking border sequence for soybean event 9582.814.19.1. Nucleotides 1-1400 are genomic sequence. Nucleotides 1401-1535 are a rearranged sequence from pDAB9582. Nucleotides 1536-1836 are insert sequence.

SEQ ID NO:2 is the 3′ DNA flanking border sequence for soybean event 9582.814.19.1. Nucleotides 1-152 are insert sequence. Nucleotides 153-1550 are genomic sequence.

SEQ ID NO:3 is the DNA sequence of pDAB9582, which is annotated below in Table 1.

SEQ ID NO:4 is oligonucleotide primer 81419_FW3 for confirmation of 5′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:5 is oligonucleotide primer 81419_RV1 for confirmation of 3′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:6 is oligonucleotide primer 81419_RV2 for confirmation of 3′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:7 is oligonucleotide primer 81419_RV3 for confirmation of 3′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:8 is oligonucleotide primer 5′IREnd-01 for confirmation of 5′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:9 is oligonucleotide primer 5′IREnd-02 for confirmation of 5′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:10 is oligonucleotide primer AtUbi10RV1 for confirmation of 5′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:11 is oligonucleotide primer AtUbi10RV2 for confirmation of 5′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:12 is oligonucleotide primer 3′PATEnd05 for confirmation of 3′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:13 is oligonucleotide primer 3′PATEnd06 for confirmation of 3′ border genomic DNA.

SEQ ID NO:14 is the confirmed sequence of soybean event 9582.814.19.1. Including the 5′ genomic flanking sequence, pDAB9582 T-strand insert, and 3′ genomic flanking sequence.

SEQ ID NO:15 is oligonucleotide primer 81419 _(—)3′F which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the 3′ border of soybean event 9582.814.19.1.

SEQ ID NO:16 is oligonucleotide primer 81419_(—)3′R which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the 3′ border soybean event 9582.814.19.1.

SEQ ID NO:17 is oligonucleotide probe 81419_(—)3′P which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the 3′ border soybean event 9582.814.19.1. This probe had a FAM fluorescent moiety added to the 5′ end and an MGB quencher added to the 3′ end.

SEQ ID NO:18 is oligonucleotide primer GMS116 F which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the endogenous reference gene, GMFL01-25-J19 (GenBank: AK286292.1).

SEQ ID NO:19 is oligonucleotide primer GMS116 R which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the endogenous reference gene, GMFL01-25-J19 (GenBank: AK286292.1).

SEQ ID NO:20 is oligonucleotide probe GMS116 which was used for the TAQMAN assay to detect the endogenous reference gene, GMFL01-25-J19 (GenBank: AK286292.1). This probe had a HEX fluorescent moiety added to the 5′ end and an BHQ quencher added to the 3′ end.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is a plasmid Map of pDAB9582 containing the cry1F, cry1Ac and pat expression cassette.

FIG. 2 depicts the primer locations for confirming the 5′ and 3′ border sequence of the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

FIG. 3 depicts the genomic sequence arrangement in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

FIG. 4 depicts the primer and probe locations for the TAQMAN assay of the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Both ends of event Soybean Event 9582.814.19.1 insertion have been sequenced and characterized. Event specific assays were developed. It has also been mapped onto chromosome 02 of the soybean genome. The event can be introgressed into further elite lines.

As alluded to above in the Background section, the introduction and integration of a transgene into a plant genome involves some random events (hence the name “event” for a given insertion that is expressed). That is, with many transformation techniques such as Agrobacterium transformation, the biolistic transformation (i.e. gene gun), and silicon carbide mediated transformation (i.e. WHISKERS), it is unpredictable where in the genome a transgene will become inserted. Thus, identifying the flanking plant genomic DNA on both sides of the insert can be important for identifying a plant that has a given insertion event. For example, PCR primers can be designed that generate a PCR amplicon across the junction region of the insert and the host genome. This PCR amplicon can be used to identify a unique or distinct type of insertion event.

Definitions and examples are provided herein to help describe the present invention and to guide those of ordinary skill in the art to practice the invention. Unless otherwise noted, terms are to be understood according to conventional usage by those of ordinary skill in the relevant art. The nomenclature for DNA bases as set forth at 37 CFR §1.822 is used.

As used herein, the term “progeny” denotes the offspring of any generation of a parent plant which comprises Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

A transgenic “event” is produced bp transformation of plant cells with heterologous DNA, i.e., a nucleic acid construct that includes the transgenes of interest, regeneration of a population of plants resulting from the insertion of the transgene into the genome of the plant, and selection of a particular plant characterized bp insertion into a particular genome location. The term “event” refers to the original transformant and progeny of the transformant that include the heterologous DNA. The term “event” also refers to progeny produced by a sexual outcross between the transformant and another variety that includes the genomic/transgene DNA. Even after repeated back-crossing to a recurrent parent, the inserted transgene DNA and flanking genomic DNA (genomic/transgene DNA) from the transformed parent is present in the progeny of the cross at the same chromosomal location. The term “event” also refers to DNA from the original transformant and progeny thereof comprising the inserted DNA and flanking genomic sequence immediately adjacent to the inserted DNA that would be expected to be transferred to a progeny that receives inserted DNA including the transgene of interest as the result of a sexual cross of one parental line that includes the inserted DNA (e.g., the original transformant and progeny resulting from selfing) and a parental line that does not contain the inserted DNA.

A “junction sequence” or “border sequence” spans the point at which DNA inserted into the genome is linked to DNA from the soybean native genome flanking the insertion point, the identification or detection of one or the other junction sequences in a plant's genetic material being sufficient to be diagnostic for the event. Included are the DNA sequences that span the insertions in herein-described soybean events and similar lengths of flanking DNA. Specific examples of such diagnostic sequences are provided herein; however, other sequences that overlap the junctions of the insertions, or the junctions of the insertions and the genomic sequence, are also diagnostic and could be used according to the subject invention.

The subject invention relates in part to event identification using such flanking, junction, and insert sequences. Related PCR primers and amplicons are included in the invention. According to the subject invention, PCR analysis methods using amplicons that span across inserted DNA and its borders can be used to detect or identify commercialized transgenic soybean varieties or lines derived from the subject proprietary transgenic soybean lines.

The flanking/junction sequences are diagnostic for Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Based on these sequences, event-specific primers were generated. PCR analysis demonstrated that these soybean lines can be identified in different soybean genotypes by analysis of the PCR amplicons generated with these event-specific primer sets. Thus, these and other related procedures can be used to uniquely identify these soybean lines. The sequences identified herein are unique.

Detection techniques of the subject invention are especially useful in conjunction with plant breeding, to determine which progeny plants comprise a given event, after a parent plant comprising an event of interest is crossed with another plant line in an effort to impart one or more additional traits of interest in the progeny. These PCR analysis methods benefit soybean breeding programs as well as quality control, especially for commercialized transgenic soybean seeds. PCR detection kits for these transgenic soybean lines can also now be made and used. This can also benefit product registration and product stewardship.

Furthermore, flanking soybean genomic sequences can be used to specifically identify the genomic location of each insert. This information can be used to make molecular marker systems specific to each event. These can be used for accelerated breeding strategies and to establish linkage data.

Still further, the flanking sequence information can be used to study and characterize transgene integration processes, genomic integration site characteristics, event sorting, stability of transgenes and their flanking sequences, and gene expression (especially related to gene silencing, transgene methylation patterns, position effects, and potential expression-related elements such as MARS [matrix attachment regions], and the like).

In light of all the subject disclosure, it should be clear that the subject invention includes seeds available under the ATCC Deposit No. identified in paragraph [0005]. The subject invention also includes a herbicide-tolerant soybean plant grown from a seed deposited with the ATCC Deposit No. identified in paragraph [0005]. The subject invention further includes parts of said plant, such as leaves, tissue samples, seeds produced by said plant, pollen, and the like (wherein they comprise cry1F, cry1Ac, pat, and SEQ ID NOS: 1 and 2).

As used herein, the term “soybean” means Glycine max and includes all varieties thereof that can be bred with a soybean plant.

The DNA molecules of the present invention can be used as molecular markers in a marker assisted breeding (MAB) method. DNA molecules of the present invention can be used in methods (such as, AFLP markers, RFLP markers, RAPD markers, SNPs, and SSRs) that identify genetically linked agronomically useful traits, as is known in the art. The insect resistance and herbicide-tolerance traits can be tracked in the progeny of a cross with a soybean plant of the subject invention (or progeny thereof and any other soybean cultivar or variety) using the MAB methods. The DNA molecules are markers for this trait, and MAB methods that are well known in the art can be used to track the hebicide-resistance trait(s) in soybean plants where at least one soybean line of the subject invention, or progeny thereof, was a parent or ancestor. The methods of the present invention can be used to identify any soybean variety having the subject event.

As used herein, a “line” is a group of plants that display little or no genetic variation between individuals for at least one trait. Such lines may be created by several generations of self-pollination and selection, or vegetative propagation from a single parent using tissue or cell culture techniques.

As used herein, the terms “cultivar” and “variety” are synonymous and refer to a line which is used for commercial production.

“Stability” or “stable” means that with respect to the given component, the component is maintained from generation to generation and, preferably, at least three generations.

“Commercial Utility” is defined as having good plant vigor and high fertility, such that the crop can be produced by farmers using conventional farming equipment, and the oil with the described components can be extracted from the seed using conventional crushing and extraction equipment

“Agronomically elite” means that a line has desirable agronomic characteristics such as yield, maturity, disease resistance, and the like, in addition to the insect resistance and herbicide tolerance due to the subject event(s). Any and all of these agronomic characteristics and data points can be used to identify such plants, either as a point or at either end or both ends of a range of characteristics used to define such plants.

As one skilled in the art will recognize in light of this disclosure, preferred embodiments of detection kits, for example, can include probes and/or primers directed to and/or comprising “junction sequences” or “transition sequences” (where the soybean genomic flanking sequence meets the insert sequence). For example, this includes a polynucleotide probes, primers, and/or amplicons designed to identify one or both junction sequences (where the insert meets the flanking sequence), as indicated in the Table above. One common design is to have one primer that hybridizes in the flanking region, and one primer that hybridizes in the insert. Such primers are often each about at least ˜15 residues in length. With this arrangement, the primers can be used to generate/amplify a detectable amplicon that indicates the presence of an event of the subject invention. These primers can be used to generate an amplicon that spans (and includes) a junction sequence as indicated above.

The primer(s) “touching down” in the flanking sequence is typically not designed to hybridize beyond about 1200 bases or so beyond the junction. Thus, typical flanking primers would be designed to comprise at least 15 residues of either strand within 1200 bases into the flanking sequences from the beginning of the insert. That is, primers comprising a sequence of an appropriate size from (or hybridizing to) base pairs 800 to 1400 of SEQ ID NO:14 and/or base pairs 13,897 to 14,497 of SEQ ID NO:14 are within the scope of the subject invention. Insert primers can likewise be designed anywhere on the insert, but base pairs 1400 to 2000 of SEQ ID NO:14 and/or base pairs 13,297 to 13,896 of SEQ ID NO:14, can be used, for example, non-exclusively for such primer design.

One skilled in the art will also recognize that primers and probes can be designed to hybridize, under a range of standard hybridization and/or PCR conditions wherein the primer or probe is not perfectly complementary to the exemplified sequence. That is, some degree of mismatch can be tolerated. For an approximately 20 nucleotide primer, for example, typically one or two or so nucleotides do not need to bind with the opposite strand if the mismatched base is internal or on the end of the primer that is opposite the amplicon. Various appropriate hybridization conditions are provided below. Synthetic nucleotide analogs, such as inosine, can also be used in probes. Peptide nucleic acid (PNA) probes, as well as DNA and RNA probes, can also be used. What is important is that such probes and primers are diagnostic for (able to uniquely identify and distinguish) the presence of an event of the subject invention.

It should be noted that errors in PCR amplification can occur which might result in minor sequencing errors, for example. That is, unless otherwise indicated, the sequences listed herein were determined by generating long amplicons from soybean genomic DNAs, and then cloning and sequencing the amplicons. It is not unusual to find slight differences and minor discrepancies in sequences generated and determined in this manner, given the many rounds of amplification that are necessary to generate enough amplicon for sequencing from genomic DNAs. One skilled in the art should recognize and be put on notice that any adjustments needed due to these types of common sequencing errors or discrepancies are within the scope of the subject invention.

It should also be noted that it is not uncommon for some genomic sequence to be deleted, for example, when a sequence is inserted during the creation of an event. Thus, some differences can also appear between the subject flanking sequences and genomic sequences listed in GENBANK, for example.

Components of the DNA sequence “insert” are illustrated in the Figures and are discussed in more detail below in the Examples. The DNA polynucleotide sequences of these components, or fragments thereof, can be used as DNA primers or probes in the methods of the present invention.

In some embodiments of the invention, compositions and methods are provided for detecting the presence of the transgene/genomic insertion region, in plants and seeds and the like, from a soybean plant. DNA sequences are provided that comprise the subject 5′ transgene/genomic insertion region junction sequence provided herein (between base pairs −800 -1400 of SEQ ID NO:14), segments thereof, and complements of the exemplified sequences and any segments thereof. DNA sequences are provided that comprise the subject 3′ transgene/genomic insertion region junction sequence provided herein (between base pairs 13,897-14,497of SEQ ID NO:14), segments thereof, and complements of the exemplified sequences and any segments thereof. The insertion region junction sequence spans the junction between heterologous DNA inserted into the genome and the DNA from the soybean cell flanking the insertion site. Such sequences can be diagnostic for the given event.

Based on these insert and border sequences, event-specific primers can be generated. PCR analysis demonstrated that soybean lines of the subject invention can be identified in different soybean genotypes by analysis of the PCR amplicons generated with these event-specific primer sets. These and other related procedures can be used to uniquely identify these soybean lines. Thus, PCR amplicons derived from such primer pairs are unique and can be used to identify these soybean lines.

In some embodiments, DNA sequences that comprise a contiguous fragment of the novel transgene/genomic insertion region are an aspect of this invention. Included are DNA sequences that comprise a sufficient length of polynucleotides of transgene insert sequence and a sufficient length of polynucleotides of soybean genomic sequence from one or more of the three aforementioned soybean plants and/or sequences that are useful as primer sequences for the production of an amplicon product diagnostic for one or more of these soybean plants.

Related embodiments pertain to DNA sequences that comprise at least 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, or more contiguous nucleotides of a transgene portion of a DNA sequence identified herein (such as SEQ ID NO:1 and segments thereof), or complements thereof, and a similar length of flanking soybean DNA sequence from these sequences, or complements thereof. Such sequences are useful as DNA primers in DNA amplification methods. The amplicons produced using these primers are diagnostic for any of the soybean events referred to herein. Therefore, the invention also includes the amplicons produced by such DNA primers and homologous primers.

This invention also includes methods of detecting the presence of DNA, in a sample, that corresponds to the soybean event referred to herein. Such methods can comprise: (a) contacting the sample comprising DNA with a primer set that, when used in a nucleic acid amplification reaction with DNA from at least one of these soybean events, produces an amplicon that is diagnostic for said event(s); (b) performing a nucleic acid amplification reaction, thereby producing the amplicon; and (c) detecting the amplicon.

Further detection methods of the subject invention include a method of detecting the presence of a DNA, in a sample, corresponding to said event, wherein said method comprises: (a) contacting the sample comprising DNA with a probe that hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions with DNA from at least one of said soybean events and which does not hybridize under the stringent hybridization conditions with a control soybean plant (non-event-of-interest DNA); (b) subjecting the sample and probe to stringent hybridization conditions; and (c) detecting hybridization of the probe to the DNA.

DNA detection kits can be developed using the compositions disclosed herein and methods well known in the art of DNA detection. The kits are useful for identification of the subject soybean event DNA in a sample and can be applied to methods for breeding soybean plants containing this DNA. The kits contain DNA sequences homologous or complementary to the amplicons, for example, disclosed herein, or to DNA sequences homologous or complementary to DNA contained in the transgene genetic elements of the subject events. These DNA sequences can be used in DNA amplification reactions or as probes in a DNA hybridization method. The kits may also contain the reagents and materials necessary for the performance of the detection method.

A “probe” is an isolated nucleic acid molecule to which is attached a conventional detectable label or reporter molecule (such as a radioactive isotope, ligand, chemiluminescent agent, or enzyme). Such a probe is complementary to a strand of a target nucleic acid, in the case of the present invention, to a strand of genomic DNA from one of said soybean events, whether from a soybean plant or from a sample that includes DNA from the event. Probes according to the present invention include not only deoxyribonucleic or ribonucleic acids but also polyamides and other probe materials that bind specifically to a target DNA sequence and can be used to detect the presence of that target DNA sequence.

“Primers” are isolated/synthesized nucleic acids that are annealed to a complementary target DNA strand by nucleic acid hybridization to form a hybrid between the primer and the target DNA strand, then extended along the target DNA strand by a polymerase, e.g., a DNA polymerase. Primer pairs of the present invention refer to their use for amplification of a target nucleic acid sequence, e.g., by the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) or other conventional nucleic-acid amplification methods.

Probes and primers are generally 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, or 500 polynucleotides or more in length. Such probes and primers hybridize specifically to a target sequence under high stringency hybridization conditions. Preferably, probes and primers according to the present invention have complete sequence similarity with the target sequence, although probes differing from the target sequence and that retain the ability to hybridize to target sequences may be designed bp conventional methods.

Methods for preparing and using probes and primers are described, for example, in Molecular Cloning: A Laboratory Manual, 2nd ed., vol. 1-3, ed. Sambrook et al., Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press, Cold Spring Harbor, N.Y., 1989. PCR-primer pairs can be derived from a known sequence, for example, by using computer programs intended for that purpose.

Primers and probes based on the flanking DNA and insert sequences disclosed herein can be used to confirm (and, if necessary, to correct) the disclosed sequences by conventional methods, e.g., by re-cloning and sequencing such sequences.

The nucleic acid probes and primers of the present invention hybridize under stringent conditions to a target DNA sequence. Any conventional nucleic acid hybridization or amplification method can be used to identify the presence of DNA from a transgenic event in a sample. Nucleic acid molecules or fragments thereof are capable of specifically hybridizing to other nucleic acid molecules under certain circumstances. As used herein, two nucleic acid molecules are said to be capable of specifically hybridizing to one another if the two molecules are capable of forming an anti-parallel, double-stranded nucleic acid structure. A nucleic acid molecule is said to be the “complement” of another nucleic acid molecule if they exhibit complete complementarity. As used herein, molecules are said to exhibit “complete complementarity” when every nucleotide of one of the molecules is complementary to a nucleotide of the other. Two molecules are said to be “minimally complementary” if they can hybridize to one another with sufficient stability to permit them to remain annealed to one another under at least conventional “low-stringency” conditions. Similarly, the molecules are said to be “complementary” if they can hybridize to one another with sufficient stability to permit them to remain annealed to one another under conventional “high-stringency” conditions. Conventional stringency conditions are described by Sambrook et al., 1989. Departures from complete complementarity are therefore permissible, as long as such departures do not completely preclude the capacity of the molecules to form a double-stranded structure. In order for a nucleic acid molecule to serve as a primer or probe it need only be sufficiently complementary in sequence to be able to form a stable double-stranded structure under the particular solvent and salt concentrations employed.

As used herein, a substantially homologous sequence is a nucleic acid sequence that will specifically hybridize to the complement of the nucleic acid sequence to which it is being compared under high stringency conditions. The term “stringent conditions” is functionally defined with regard to the hybridization of a nucleic-acid probe to a target nucleic acid (i.e., to a particular nucleic-acid sequence of interest) by the specific hybridization procedure discussed in Sambrook et al., 1989, at 9.52-9.55. See also, Sambrook et al., 1989 at 9.47-9.52 and 9.56-9.58. Accordingly, the nucleotide sequences of the invention may be used for their ability to selectively form duplex molecules with complementary stretches of DNA fragments.

Depending on the application envisioned, one can use varying conditions of hybridization to achieve varying degrees of selectivity of probe towards target sequence. For applications requiring high selectivity, one will typically employ relatively stringent conditions to form the hybrids, e.g., one will select relatively low salt and/or high temperature conditions, such as provided by about 0.02 M to about 0.15 M NaCl at temperatures of about 50° C. to about 70° C. Stringent conditions, for example, could involve washing the hybridization filter at least twice with high-stringency wash buffer (0.2×SSC, 0.1% SDS, 65° C.). Appropriate stringency conditions which promote DNA hybridization, for example, 6.0× sodium chloride/sodium citrate (SSC) at about 45° C., followed by a wash of 2.0×SSC at 50° C. are known to those skilled in the art. For example, the salt concentration in the wash step can be selected from a low stringency of about 2.0×SSC at 50° C. to a high stringency of about 0.2×SSC at 50° C. In addition, the temperature in the wash step can be increased from low stringency conditions at room temperature, about 22° C., to high stringency conditions at about 65° C. Both temperature and salt may be varied, or either the temperature or the salt concentration may be held constant while the other variable is changed. Such selective conditions tolerate little, if any, mismatch between the probe and the template or target strand. Detection of DNA sequences via hybridization is well-known to those of skill in the art, and the teachings of U.S. Pat. Nos. 4,965,188 and 5,176,995 are exemplary of the methods of hybridization analyses.

In a particularly preferred embodiment, a nucleic acid of the present invention will specifically hybridize to one or more of the primers (or amplicons or other sequences) exemplified or suggested herein, including complements and fragments thereof, under high stringency conditions. In one aspect of the present invention, a marker nucleic acid molecule of the present invention has the nucleic acid sequence as set forth herein in one of the exemplified sequences, or complements and/or fragments thereof.

In another aspect of the present invention, a marker nucleic acid molecule of the present invention shares between 80% and 100% or 90% and 100% sequence identity with such nucleic acid sequences. In a further aspect of the present invention, a marker nucleic acid molecule of the present invention shares between 95% and 100% sequence identity with such sequence. Such sequences may be used as markers in plant breeding methods to identify the progeny of genetic crosses. The hybridization of the probe to the target DNA molecule can be detected by any number of methods known to those skilled in the art, these can include, but are not limited to, fluorescent tags, radioactive tags, antibody based tags, and chemiluminescent tags.

Regarding the amplification of a target nucleic acid sequence (e.g., by PCR) using a particular amplification primer pair, “stringent conditions” are conditions that permit the primer pair to hybridize only to the target nucleic-acid sequence to which a primer having the corresponding wild-type sequence (or its complement) would bind and preferably to produce a unique amplification product, the amplicon.

The term “specific for (a target sequence)” indicates that a probe or primer hybridizes under stringent hybridization conditions only to the target sequence in a sample comprising the target sequence.

As used herein, “amplified DNA” or “amplicon” refers to the product of nucleic-acid amplification of a target nucleic acid sequence that is part of a nucleic acid template. For example, to determine whether the soybean plant resulting from a sexual cross contains transgenic event genomic DNA from the soybean plant of the present invention, DNA extracted from a soybean plant tissue sample may be subjected to nucleic acid amplification method using a primer pair that includes a primer derived from flanking sequence in the genome of the plant adjacent to the insertion site of inserted heterologous DNA, and a second primer derived from the inserted heterologous DNA to produce an amplicon that is diagnostic for the presence of the event DNA. The amplicon is of a length and has a sequence that is also diagnostic for the event. The amplicon may range in length from the combined length of the primer pairs plus one nucleotide base pair, and/or the combined length of the primer pairs plus about 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 37, 38, 39, 40, 41, 42, 43, 44, 45, 46, 47, 48, 49, 50, 51, 52, 53, 54, 55, 56, 57, 58, 59, 60, 61, 62, 63, 64, 65, 66, 67, 68, 69, 70, 71, 72, 73, 74, 75, 76, 77, 78, 79, 80, 81, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87, 88, 89, 90, 91, 92, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99, 100, 101, 102, 103, 104, 105, 106, 107, 108, 109, 110, 111, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 118, 119, 120, 121, 122, 123, 124, 125, 126, 127, 128, 129, 130, 131, 132, 133, 134, 135, 136, 137, 138, 139, 140, 141, 142, 143, 144, 145, 146, 147, 148, 149, 150, 151, 152, 153, 154, 155, 156, 157, 158, 159, 160, 161, 162, 163, 164, 165, 166, 167, 168, 169, 170, 171, 172, 173, 174, 175, 176, 177, 178, 179, 180, 181, 182, 183, 184, 185, 186, 187, 188, 189, 190, 191, 192, 193, 194, 195, 196, 197, 198, 199, 200, 201, 202, 203, 204, 205, 206, 207, 208, 209, 210, 211, 212, 213, 214, 215, 216, 217, 218, 219, 220, 221, 222, 223, 224, 225, 226, 227, 228, 229, 230, 231, 232, 233, 234, 235, 236, 237, 238, 239, 240, 241, 242, 243, 244, 245, 246, 247, 248, 249, 250, 251, 252, 253, 254, 255, 256, 257, 258, 259, 260, 261, 262, 263, 264, 265, 266, 267, 268, 269, 270, 271, 272, 273, 274, 275, 276, 277, 278, 279, 280, 281, 282, 283, 284, 285, 286, 287, 288, 289, 290, 291, 292, 293, 294, 295, 296, 297, 298, 299, 300, 301, 302, 303, 304, 305, 306, 307, 308, 309, 310, 311, 312, 313, 314, 315, 316, 317, 318, 319, 320, 321, 322, 323, 324, 325, 326, 327, 328, 329, 330, 331, 332, 333, 334, 335, 336, 337, 338, 339, 340, 341, 342, 343, 344, 345, 346, 347, 348, 349, 350, 351, 352, 353, 354, 355, 356, 357, 358, 359, 360, 361, 362, 363, 364, 365, 366, 367, 368, 369, 370, 371, 372, 373, 374, 375, 376, 377, 378, 379, 380, 381, 382, 383, 384, 385, 386, 387, 388, 389, 390, 391, 392, 393, 394, 395, 396, 397, 398, 399, 400, 401, 402, 403, 404, 405, 406, 407, 408, 409, 410, 411, 412, 413, 414, 415, 416, 417, 418, 419, 420, 421, 422, 423, 424, 425, 426, 427, 428, 429, 430, 431, 432, 433, 434, 435, 436, 437, 438, 439, 440, 441, 442, 443, 444, 445, 446, 447, 448, 449, 450, 451, 452, 453, 454, 455, 456, 457, 458, 459, 460, 461, 462, 463, 464, 465, 466, 467, 468, 469, 470, 471, 472, 473, 474, 475, 476, 477, 478, 479, 480, 481, 482, 483, 484, 485, 486, 487, 488, 489, 490, 491, 492, 493, 494, 495, 496, 497, 498, 499, or 500, 750, 1000, 1250, 1500, 1750, 2000, or more nucleotide base pairs (plus or minus any of the increments listed above). Alternatively, a primer pair can be derived from flanking sequence on both sides of the inserted DNA so as to produce an amplicon that includes the entire insert nucleotide sequence. A member of a primer pair derived from the plant genomic sequence may be located a distance from the inserted DNA sequence. This distance can range from one nucleotide base pair up to about twenty thousand nucleotide base pairs. The use of the term “amplicon” specifically excludes primer dimers that may be formed in the DNA thermal amplification reaction.

Nucleic-acid amplification can be accomplished by any of the various nucleic-acid amplification methods known in the art, including the polymerase chain reaction (PCR). A variety of amplification methods are known in the art and are described, inter alia, in U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,195 and U.S. Pat. No. 4,683,202. PCR amplification methods have been developed to amplify up to 22 kb of genomic DNA. These methods as well as other methods known in the art of DNA amplification may be used in the practice of the present invention. The sequence of the heterologous transgene DNA insert or flanking genomic sequence from a subject soybean event can be verified (and corrected if necessary) by amplifying such sequences from the event using primers derived from the sequences provided herein followed by standard DNA sequencing of the PCR amplicon or of the cloned DNA.

The amplicon produced by these methods may be detected by a plurality of techniques. Agarose gel electrophoresis and staining with ethidium bromide is a common well known method of detecting DNA amplicons. Another such method is Genetic Bit Analysis where an DNA oligonucleotide is designed which overlaps both the adjacent flanking genomic DNA sequence and the inserted DNA sequence. The oligonucleotide is immobilized in wells of a microwell plate. Following PCR of the region of interest (using one primer in the inserted sequence and one in the adjacent flanking genomic sequence), a single-stranded PCR product can be hybridized to the immobilized oligonucleotide and serve as a template for a single base extension reaction using a DNA polymerase and labelled ddNTPs specific for the expected next base. Readout may be fluorescent or ELISA-based. A signal indicates presence of the insert/flanking sequence due to successful amplification, hybridization, and single base extension.

Another method is the Pyrosequencing technique as described by Winge (Innov. Pharma. Tech. 00:18-24, 2000). In this method an oligonucleotide is designed that overlaps the adjacent genomic DNA and insert DNA junction. The oligonucleotide is hybridized to single-stranded PCR product from the region of interest (one primer in the inserted sequence and one in the flanking genomic sequence) and incubated in the presence of a DNA polymerase, ATP, sulfurylase, luciferase, apyrase, adenosine 5′ phosphosulfate and luciferin. DNTPs are added individually and the incorporation results in a light signal that is measured. A light signal indicates the presence of the transgene insert/flanking sequence due to successful amplification, hybridization, and single or multi-base extension.

Fluorescence Polarization is another method that can be used to detect an amplicon of the present invention. Following this method, an oligonucleotide is designed which overlaps the genomic flanking and inserted DNA junction. The oligonucleotide is hybridized to single-stranded PCR product from the region of interest (one primer in the inserted DNA and one in the flanking genomic DNA sequence) and incubated in the presence of a DNA polymerase and a fluorescent-labeled ddNTP. Single base extension results in incorporation of the ddNTP. Incorporation can be measured as a change in polarization using a fluorometer. A change in polarization indicates the presence of the transgene insert/flanking sequence due to successful amplification, hybridization, and single base extension.

TAQMAN (PE Applied Biosystems, Foster City, Calif.) is a method of detecting and quantifying the presence of a DNA sequence. Briefly, a FRET oligonucleotide probe is designed that overlaps the genomic flanking and insert DNA junction. The FRET probe and PCR primers (one primer in the insert DNA sequence and one in the flanking genomic sequence) are cycled in the presence of a thermostable polymerase and dNTPs. During specific amplification, Taq DNA polymerase cleans and releases the fluorescent moiety away from the quenching moiety on the FRET probe. A fluorescent signal indicates the presence of the flanking/transgene insert sequence due to successful amplification and hybridization.

Molecular Beacons have been described for use in sequence detection. Briefly, a FRET oligonucleotide probe is designed that overlaps the flanking genomic and insert DNA junction. The unique structure of the FRET probe results in it containing secondary structure that keeps the fluorescent and quenching moieties in close proximity. The FRET probe and PCR primers (one primer in the insert DNA sequence and one in the flanking genomic sequence) are cycled in the presence of a thermostable polymerase and dNTPs. Following successful PCR amplification, hybridization of the FRET probe to the target sequence results in the removal of the probe secondary structure and spatial separation of the fluorescent and quenching moieties. A fluorescent signal results. A fluorescent signal indicates the presence of the flanking genomic/transgene insert sequence due to successful amplification and hybridization.

Having disclosed a location in the soybean genome that is excellent for an insertion, the subject invention also comprises a soybean seed and/or a soybean plant comprising at least one non-Soybean Event 9582.814.19.1 insert in the general vicinity of this genomic location. One option is to substitute a different insert in place of the one from pDAB9582.814.19.1 exemplified herein. In these general regards, targeted homologous recombination, for example, can be used according to the subject invention. This type of technology is the subject of, for example, WO 03/080809 A2 and the corresponding published U.S. application (US 20030232410). Thus, the subject invention includes plants and plant cells comprising a heterologous insert (in place of or with multi-copies of the cry1F, cry1Ac, or pat genes), flanked by all or a recognizable part of the flanking sequences identified herein (bp 1-1400 of SEQ ID NO:1 and bp 153-1550 of SEQ ID NO:2). An additional copy (or additional copies) of a cry1F, cry1Ac, or pat could also be targeted for insertion in this/these manner(s).

All patents, patent applications, provisional applications, and publications referred to or cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entirety to the extent they are not inconsistent with the explicit teachings of this specification.

The following examples are included to illustrate procedures for practicing the invention and to demonstrate certain preferred embodiments of the invention. These examples should not be construed as limiting. It should be appreciated by those of skill in the art that the techniques disclosed in the following examples represent specific approaches used to illustrate preferred modes for its practice. However, those of skill in the art should, in light of the present disclosure, appreciate that many changes can be made in these specific embodiments while still obtaining like or similar results without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Unless otherwise indicated, all percentages are by weight and all solvent mixture proportions are by volume unless otherwise noted.

The following abbreviations are used unless otherwise indicated.

bp base pair ° C. degrees Celcius DNA deoxyribonucleic acid EDTA ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid kb kilobase μg microgram μL microliter mL milliliter M molar mass PCR polymerase chain reaction PTU plant transcription unit SDS sodium dodecyl sulfate SSC a buffer solution containing a mixture of sodium chloride and sodium citrate, pH 7.0 TBE a buffer solution containing a mixture of Tris base, boric acid and EDTA, pH 8.3

Embodiments of the present invention are further defined in the following Examples. It should be understood that these Examples are given by way of illustration only. From the above discussion and these Examples, one skilled in the art can ascertain the essential characteristics of this invention, and without departing from the spirit and scope thereof, can make various changes and modifications of the embodiments of the invention to adapt it to various usages and conditions. Thus, various modifications of the embodiments of the invention, in addition to those shown and described herein, will be apparent to those skilled in the art from the foregoing description. Such modifications are also intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

The disclosure of each reference set forth herein is incorporated herein by reference in its entirety.

EXAMPLES Example 1 Transformation and Selection of the Cry1F and Cry1Ac Soybean Event pDAB9582.814. 19.1

Transgenic soybean (Glycine max) containing the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was generated through Agrobacterium-mediated transformation of soybean cotyledonary node explants. The disarmed Agrobacterium strain EHA101 (Hood et al., 1993), carrying the binary vector pDAB9582 (FIG. 1) containing the selectable marker, pat v6, and the genes of interest, cry1F v3 and cry1 Ac, within the T-strand DNA region, was used to initiate transformation. The DNA sequence for pDAB9582 is given in SEQ ID NO:3, which is annotated below in Table 1.

TABLE 1 Gene elements located on pDAB9582. Construct bp (SEQ ID NO: 3) element Reference  272-1593 AtUbi10 Callis, et al., (1990) J. Biol. Chem., Promoter 265: 12486-12493 1602-5048 Cry1F Referenced above 5151-5607 ORF23 U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,147 3'UTR 5671-6187 CsVMV Verdaguer et al., (1996) Plant Mol. Promoter Biol., 31: 1129-1139 6197-9667 Cry1AC Referenced above  9701-10157 ORF23 U.S. Pat. No. 5,428,147 3'UTR 10272-10788 CsVMV Verdaguer et al., (1996) Plant Mol. Promoter Biol., 31: 1129-1139 10796-11347 PAT Wohlleben et al., (1988) Gene 70: 25- 37 11450-12153 ORF1 Huang et al., (1990) J. Bacteriol. 3'UTR 172: 1814-1822

Agrobacterium-mediated transformation was carried out using a modified procedure of Zeng et al. (2004). Briefly, soybean seeds (cv Maverick) were germinated on basal media and cotyledonary nodes were isolated and infected with Agrobacterium. Shoot initiation, shoot elongation, and rooting media were supplemented with cefotaxime, timentin and vancomycin for removal of Agrobacterium. Glufosinate selection was employed to inhibit the growth of non-transformed shoots. Selected shoots were transferred to rooting medium for root development and then transferred to soil mix for acclimatization of plantlets.

Terminal leaflets of selected plantlets were leaf painted with glufosinate to screen for putative transformants. The screened plantlets were transferred to the greenhouse, allowed to acclimate and then leaf-painted with glufosinate to reconfirm tolerance and deemed to be putative transformants. The screened plants were sampled and molecular analyses for the confirmation of the selectable marker gene and/or the gene of interest were carried out. T₀ plants were allowed to self fertilize in the greenhouse to give rise to T₁ seed.

This event, soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1, was generated from an independent transformed isolate. The T₁ plants were backcrossed and introgressed into elite varieties over subsequent generations. The event was selected based on its unique characteristics such as single insertion site, normal Mendelian segregation, stable expression, and a superior combination of efficacy, including herbicide tolerance and agronomic performance. The following examples contain the data which were used to characterize soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

Example 2 Characterization of Protein Expression in Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1

The biochemical properties of the recombinant Cry1F, Cry1Ac, and PAT proteins expressed in soybean events 9582.814.19.1 were characterized. Quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is a biochemical assay known within the art that can be used to characterize the biochemical properties of the proteins and confirm expression of these proteins in soybean event 9582.814.19.1.

Example 2.1 Expression of the PAT, Cry1F, and Cry1Ac Protein in Plant Tissues

Samples of soybean tissues were isolated from the test plants and prepared for expression analysis. The PAT protein was extracted from soybean plant tissues with a phosphate buffered saline solution containing the detergent Tween-20 (PBST) containing 0.5% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The plant tissue was centrifuged; the aqueous supernatant was collected, diluted with appropriate buffer as necessary, and analyzed using an PAT ELISA kit in a sandwich format. The kit was used following the manufacturer's suggested protocol (Envirologix, Portland, Me.). This assay measured the expressed PAT protein.

The Cry1F protein was extracted from soybean plant tissues with a phosphate buffered saline solution containing the detergent Tween-20 (PBST). The plant tissue was centrifuged; the aqueous supernatant was collected, diluted with appropriate buffer as necessary, and analyzed using an Cry1F ELISA kit in a sandwich format. The kit was used following the manufacturer's suggested protocol (Strategic Diagnostics Inc., Newark, Del.). This assay measured the expressed Cry1F protein.

The Cry1Ac protein was extracted from soybean plant tissues with a phosphate buffered saline solution containing the detergent Tween-20 (PBST) containing 0.5% Bovine Serum Albumin (BSA). The plant tissue was centrifuged; the aqueous supernatant was collected, diluted with appropriate buffer as necessary, and analyzed using an Cry1Ac ELISA kit in a sandwich format. The kit was used following the manufacturer's suggested protocol (Strategic Diagnostics Inc., Newark, Del.). This assay measured the expressed Cry1Ac protein.

Detection analysis was performed to investigate the expression stability and inheritability both vertically (between generations) and horizontally (between lineages within a generation) in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

Example 2.2 Expression of the Cry1F, Cry1Ac, and Pat Protein in Plant Tissues

Levels of Cry1F, Cry1Ac and PAT proteins were determined in Soybean Event 9582.814.19.1. The soluble, extractable proteins were measured using a quantitative enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method from soybean leaf tissue. From T₂ to T₆ generations Soybean Events 9582.814.19.1, expression was stable (not segregating) and consistent across all lineages. Table 2 lists the mean expression level of the transgenic proteins in soybean event 9582.814.19.1.

TABLE 2 Mean expression level of different transgenic proteins in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Expression Level of Different Proteins (ng/cm²) Event Cry1F Cry1 Ac PAT Soybean event 133 17.4 12 pDAB9582.814.19.1

Example 3 Cloning and Characterization of DNA Sequence in the Insert and the Flanking Border Regions of Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1

To characterize and describe the genomic insertion site, the sequence of the flanking genomic T-DNA border regions of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 were determined. Genomic sequence of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was confirmed, comprising 1400 bp of 5′ flanking border sequence (SEQ ID NO:1) and 1398 bp of 3′ flanking border sequence (SEQ ID NO:2). PCR amplification based on the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 border sequences validated that the border regions were of soybean origin and that the junction regions are unique sequences for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. The junction regions could be used for event-specific identification of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. In addition, the T-strand insertion site was characterized by amplifying a genomic fragment corresponding to the region of the identified flanking border sequences from the genome of untransformed soybean. Comparison of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 with the untransformed genomic sequence revealed that a deletion of about 57 bp from the original locus resulted during the T-strand integration. Overall, the characterization of the insert and border sequence of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 indicated that an intact copy of the T-strand from pDAB9582 was present in the soybean genome.

TABLE 3 List of primers and their sequences used in the confirmation of soybean genomic DNA in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 SEQ ID Primer Size NO: Name (bp) Sequence (5′to 3′) Purpose SEQ ID 81419_FW3 30 TTTCTCCTATCCGTCAAA confirmation of 5′ NO: 4 TAAATCTGCTCC border genomic DNA, used with AtUbi10RV1 or RV2; with 5′IREnd- 01 or 5′IREnd-02 SEQ ID 81419_RV1 27 GGGTGATTTGGTGCCAA confirmation of 3′ NO: 5 AAGTTATGTT border genomic DNA, used with 3′PATEnd05 or 3′PATEnd06 SEQ ID 81419_RV2 24 TGGAGGGTCATATCGCA confirmation of 3′ NO: 6 AAAGACT border genomic DNA, used with 3′PATEnd05 or 3′PATEnd06 SEQ ID 81419_RV3 24 GTTCTGCGTCGTGGAGG confirmation of 3′ NO: 7 GTCATAT border genomic DNA, used with 3′PATEnd05 or 3′PATEnd06 SEQ ID 5′IREnd-01 29 CGAGCTTTCTAATTTCAA confirmation of 5′ NO: 8 ACTATTCGGGC border genomic DNA, used with 81419_FW3 SEQ ID 5′IREnd-02 30 TCCTAGATCATCAGTTCA confirmation of 5′ NO: 9 TACAAACCTCCA border genomic DNA, used with 81419_FW3 SEQ ID AtUbi10RV1 29 CGGTCCTAGATCATCAGT confirmation of 5′ NO: 10 TCATACAAACC border genomic DNA, used with 81419_FW3 SEQ ID AtUbi10RV2 28 CACTCGTGTTCAGTCCAA confirmation of 5′ NO: 11 TGACCAATAA border genomic DNA, used with 81419_FW3 SEQ ID 3′PATEnd05 20 GCTCCTCCAAGGCCAGTT confirmation of 3′ NO: 12 AG border genomic DNA, used with 81419_RV1, RV2 or RV3 SEQ ID 3′PATEnd06 20 CCAGTTAGGCCAGTTACC confirmation of 3′ NO: 13 CA border genomic DNA, used with 81419_RV1, RV2 or RV3

TABLE 4 Conditions for standard PCR amplification of the border regions and event-specific sequences in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Pre- Final Target PCR denature Denature Extension Extension Sequence Primer Set Mixture (° C./min) (° C./sec.) (° C./min:sec) (° C./min) 5′ border 81419_FW3/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 AtUbi10RV1 32 cycles 5′ border 81419_FW3/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 5′IREnd-01 32 cycles 3′ border 3′PATEnd05/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 81419_RV2 35 cycles 3′ border 3′PATEnd05/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 81419_RV3 35 cycles 3′ border 3′PATEnd06/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 81419_RV2 35 cycles 3′border 3′PATEnd06/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 81419_RV3 32 cycles Across 81419_FW3/ D 95/3 98/10 68/4:00 72/10 the insert 81419_RV3 32 cycles locus

TABLE 5 PCR mixture for standard PCR amplification of the border regions and event specific sequences in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. PCR Mixture A PCR Mixture B 1 × reaction 1 × reaction Reagent (μL) Reagent (μL) H20 0.8 H20 14.6 ACCPRIME PFX 20 10X LA TAQ 2 SUPERMIX BUFFER — — MgCl2 (25 mM) 0.6 — — dNTP (2.5 μM) 1.6 10 uM primer 0.2 10 uM primer 0.1 gDNA digestion 1 gDNA 1 digestion — — LA Taq 0.1 (5 U/μL) rxn vol: 22 rxn vol: 20 PCR Mixture C PCR Mixture D 1 × reaction 1 × reaction Reagent (μL) Reagent (μL) H20 28 H20 11.6 10X PCR buffer II 5 10X PCR 2 (Mg-plus) buffer II (Mg- plus) MgCl₂[25 mM] 1.5 MgCl₂[25 mM] 0.6 dNTP [2.5 mM] 8 dNTP [2.5 mM] 3.2 Adaptor PCR primer 1 primer 1 0.4 (10 μM) (10 μM) GOI nested primer 1 primer 2 0.4 (10 μM) (10 μM) DNA binded Beads 5 DNA Template 0.2 LA Taq (5 U/μL) 0.5 LA Taq 1.6 (5 U/μL) rxn vol: 50 rxn vol: 20

Example 3.1 Confirmation of Soybean Genomic Sequences

The 5′ and 3′ flanking borders aligned to a Glycine max whole genome shotgun sequence from chromosome 02, indicating that the transgene of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was inserted in soybean genome chromosome 02. To confirm the insertion site of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 from the soybean genome, PCR was carried out with different pairs of primers (FIG. 2, Table 3, Table 4, and Table 5). Genomic DNA from soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 and other transgenic or non-transgenic soybean lines was used as a template. To confirm that the 5′ border sequences are correct a primer designed to bind to the At Ubi10 promoter gene element, for example AtUbi10RV1, and a primer designed to bind to the cloned 5′ end border on soybean genome chromosome 02, primer designated 81419_FW3, were used for amplifying the DNA segment that spans the At Ubi10 promoter gene element to 5′ end border sequence. Similarly, for confirmation of the cloned 3′ border sequence a pat specific primer, for example 3′PATEnd05, and three primers designed according to the cloned 3′ end border sequence, designated 81419_RV1, 81419_RV2 and 81419_RV3, were used for amplifying DNA segments that span the pat gene to 3′ border sequence. DNA fragments with expected sizes were amplified only from the genomic DNA of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 with each primer pair, but not from DNA samples from other transgenic soybean lines or the non-transgenic control. The results indicate that the cloned 5′ and 3′ border sequences are the flanking border sequences of the T-strand insert for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

To further confirm the DNA insertion in the soybean genome, a PCR amplification spanning the soybean border sequences was completed on genomic DNA which did not contain the T-strand insert for Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Primer 81419_FW3, designed according to the 5′ end border sequence, and one primer 81419-RV3, designed for the 3′ end border sequence, were used to amplify DNA segments which contained the locus where the pDAB9582 T-strand integrated. As expected, PCR amplification completed with the primer pair of 81419_FW3 and 81419_RV3 produced an approximately a 1.5 kb DNA fragment from all the other soybean control lines but not pDAB9582.814.19.1. Aligning the identified 5′ and 3′ border sequences of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 with a Glycine max whole genome shotgun sequence from chromosome 02 revealed about 57 bp deletion from the original locus. (FIG. 3). These results demonstrated that the transgene of soybean event pDAB8294 was inserted into the site of soybean genome chromosome 02.

Example 4 Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1 Characterization via Southern Blot

Southern blot analysis was used to establish the integration pattern of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. These experiments generated data which demonstrated the integration and integrity of the cry1Ac and cry1F transgenes within the soybean genome. Soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was characterized as a full length, simple integration event containing a single copy of the cry1Ac and cry1F PTU from plasmid pDAB9582.

Southern blot data suggested that a T-strand fragment inserted into the genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Detailed Southern blot analysis was conducted using probes specific to the cry1Ac and cry1F gene, contained in the T-strand integration region of pDAB9582.814.19.1, and descriptive restriction enzymes that have cleavage sites located within the plasmid and produce hybridizing fragments internal to the plasmid or fragments that span the junction of the plasmid with soybean genomic DNA (border fragments). The molecular weights indicated from the Southern hybridization for the combination of the restriction enzyme and the probe were unique for the event, and established its identification patterns. These analyses also showed that the plasmid fragment had been inserted into soybean genomic DNA without rearrangements of the cry1Ac and cry1F PTU.

Example 4.1 Soybean Leaf Sample Collection and Genomic DNA (gDNA) Isolation

Genomic DNA was extracted from leaf tissue harvested from individual soybean plants containing soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. In addition, gDNA was isolated from a conventional soybean plant, Maverick, which contains the genetic background that is representative of the substance line, absent the cry1Ac and cry1F genes. Individual genomic DNA was extracted from lyophilized leaf tissue following the standard CTAB method (Sambrook et al (1989)). Following extraction, the DNA was quantified spectrofluorometrically using PICO GREEN reagent (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.). The DNA was then visualized on an agarose gel to confirm values from the PICO GREEN analysis and to determine the DNA quality.

Example 4.2 DNA Digestion and Separation

For Southern blot molecular characterization of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1, ten micrograms (10 μg) of genomic DNA was digested. Genomic DNA from the soybean pDAB9582.814.19.1 and non-transgenic soybean line Maverick was digested by adding approximately five units of selected restriction enzyme per μg of DNA and the corresponding reaction buffer to each DNA sample. Each sample was incubated at approximately 37° C. overnight. The restriction enzymes AseI, HindIII, NsiI, and NdeI were used individually for the single digests (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Mass.). The restriction enzymes NotI and ApaLI were used together for a double digestion (New England Biolabs, Ipswich, Mass.). In addition, a positive hybridization control sample was prepared by combining plasmid DNA, pDAB9582 with genomic DNA from the non-transgenic soybean variety, Maverick. The plasmid DNA/genomic DNA cocktail was digested using the same procedures and restriction enzyme as the test samples.

After the digestions were incubated overnight, 250 μL, QUICK-PRECIP PLUS SOLUTION (Edge Biosystems, Gaithersburg, Md.) was added and the digested DNA samples were precipitated with isopropanol. The precipitated DNA pellet was resuspended in 15 μL of 1× loading buffer (0.01% bromophenol blue, 10.0 mM EDTA, 10.0% glycerol, 1.0 mM Tris pH 7.5). The DNA samples and molecular size markers were then electrophoresed through 0.85% agarose gels with 0.4×TAE buffer (Fisher Scientific, Pittsburgh, Pa.) at 35 volts for approximately 18-22 hours to achieve fragment separation. The gels were stained with ethidium bromide (Invitrogen, Carlsbad, Calif.) and the DNA was visualized under ultraviolet (UV) light.

Example 4.3 Southern Transfer and Membrane Treatment

Southern blot analysis was performed essentially as described by Memelink, et al. (1994). Briefly, following electrophoretic separation and visualization of the DNA fragments, the gels were depurinated with 0.25M HCl for approximately 20 minutes, and then exposed to a denaturing solution (0.4 M NaOH, 1.5 M NaCl) for approximately 30 minutes followed by neutralizing solution (1.5 M NaCl, 0.5 M Tris pH 7.5) for at least 30 minutes. Southern transfer was performed overnight onto nylon membranes using a wicking system with 10×SSC. After transfer the DNA was bound to the membrane by UV crosslinking following by briefly washing membrane with a 2×SSC solution. This process produced Southern blot membranes ready for hybridization.

Example 4.4 DNA Probe Labeling and Hybridization

The DNA fragments bound to the nylon membrane were detected using a labeled probe (Table 6). Probes were generated by a PCR-based incorporation of a digoxigenin (DIG) labeled nucleotide, [DIG-11]-dUTP, into the DNA fragment amplified from plasmid pDAB9582 using primers specific to gene elements. Generation of DNA probes by PCR synthesis was carried out using a PCR DIG Probe Synthesis Kit (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Ind.) following the manufacturer's recommended procedures.

Labeled probes were analyzed by agarose gel electrophoresis to determine their quality and quantity. A desired amount of labeled probe was then used for hybridization to the target DNA on the nylon membranes for detection of the specific fragments using the procedures essentially as described for DIG EASY HYB SOLUTION (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Ind.). Briefly, nylon membrane blots containing fixed DNA were briefly washed with 2×SSC and pre-hybridized with 20-25 mL of pre-warmed DIG EASY HYB SOLUTION in hybridization bottles at approximately 45-55° C. for about 2 hours in a hybridization oven. The pre-hybridization solution was then decanted and replaced with ˜15 mL of pre-warmed DIG EASY HYB SOLUTION containing a desired amount of specific probes denatured by boiling in a water bath for approximately five minutes. The hybridization step was then conducted at approximately 45-55° C. overnight in the hybridization oven.

At the end of the probe hybridization, DIG EASY HYB SOLUTIONS containing the probes were decanted into clean tubes and stored at approximately −20° C. These probes could be reused for twice according to the manufacturer's recommended procedure. The membrane blots were rinsed briefly and washed twice in clean plastic containers with low stringency wash buffer (2×SSC, 0.1% SDS) for approximately five minutes at room temperature, followed by washing twice with high stringency wash buffer (0.1×SSC, 0.1% SDS) for 15 minutes each at approximately 65° C. The membrane blots briefly washed with 1× Maleic acid buffer from the DIG WASH AND BLOCK BUFFER SET (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Ind.) for approximately 5 minutes. This was followed by blocking in a 1× blocking buffer for 2 hours and an incubation with anti-DIG-AP (alkaline phosphatase) antibody (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Ind.) in 1× blocking buffer also for a minimum of 30 minutes. After 2-3 washes with 1× washing buffer, specific DNA probes remain bound to the membrane blots and DIG-labeled DNA standards were visualized USING CDP-STAR CHEMILUMINESCENT NUCLEIC ACID DETECTION SYSTEM (Roche Diagnostics, Indianapolis, Ind.) following the manufacturer's recommendation. Blots were exposed to chemiluminescent film for one or more time points to detect hybridizing fragments and to visualize molecular size standards. Films were developed with an ALL-PRO 100 PLUS film developer (Konica Minolta, Osaka, Japan) and images were scanned. The number and sizes of detected bands were documented for each probe. DIG-LABELED DNA MOLECULAR WEIGHT MARKER II (DIG MWM II) AND DIG-LABELED DNA MOLECULAR WEIGHT MARKER VII (DIG MWM VII), visible after DIG detection as described, were used to determine hybridizing fragment size on the Southern blots.

TABLE 6 Location and length of probes used in Southern analysis. Probe Name Genetic Element Length (bp) Cry1Ac cry1Ac 1720 Cry1F cry1F 1746 specR Spectinomycin resistance gene 750 OriRep Ori Rep 852 trfA Replication initiation protein trfA 1119

Example 4.5 Southern Blot Results

Expected and observed fragment sizes with a particular digest and probe, based on the known restriction enzyme sites of the cry1Ac and cry1F PTU, are given in Table 7. Two types of fragments were identified from these digests and hybridizations: internal fragments where known enzyme sites flank the probe region and are completely contained within the insertion region of the cry1 Ac and cry1F PTU, and border fragments where a known enzyme site is located at one end of the probe region and a second site is expected in the soybean genome. Border fragment sizes vary by event because, in most cases, DNA fragment integration sites are unique for each event. The border fragments provide a means to locate a restriction enzyme site relative to the integrated DNA and to evaluate the number of DNA insertions. Southern blot analyses completed on multiple generations of soybean containing event pDAB9582.814.19.1 produced data which suggested that a low copy, intact cry1Ac and cry1F PTU from plasmid pDAB9582 was inserted into the soybean genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

TABLE 7 Predicted and observed hybridizing fragments in Southern blot analysis. Expected Observed Fragment Fragment DNA Restriction Sizes Size Probe Enzymes Samples (bp) ¹ (bp)² Cry1Ac AseI pDAB9582 13476 >14000 Maverick none none Soybean Event >7286 ~7400 pDAB9582.814.19.1 Nsi I pDAB9582 15326 >15000 Maverick none none Soybean Event >9479 >10000 pDAB9582.814.19.1 Not I + ApaLI pDAB9582 4550 4500 Maverick none none Soybean Event 4550 ~4500 pDAB9582.814.19.1 Cry1F NdeI pDAB9582 8071 ~8000 Maverick none none Soybean Event 5569 ~7500 pDAB9582.814.19.1 Nsi I pDAB9582 11044 11000 Maverick none none Soybean Event >9479 >10000 pDAB9582.814.19.1 Hind III pDAB9582 7732 ~7700 Maverick none none Soybean Event 7732 ~7700 pDAB9582.814.19.1 SpecR NsiI pDAB9582 15320 ~15000 Maverick none none Soybean Event none none pDAB9582.814.19.1 trfA NsiI pDAB9582 15320 ~15000 Maverick none none Soybean Event none none pDAB9582.814.19.1 oriREP NdeI pDAB9582 5239 ~5000 Maverick none none Soybean Event none none pDAB9582.814.19.1 ¹ Expected fragment sizes are based on the plasmid map of pDAB9582. ²Observed fragment sizes are considered approximately from these analyses and are based on the indicated sizes of the DIG-LABELED DNA MOLECULAR WEIGHT MARKER II and MARK VII fragments.

The restriction enzymes AseI and NsiI bind and cleave unique restriction sites in plasmid pDAB9582. Subsequently, these enzymes were selected to characterize the cry1Ac gene insert in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Border fragments of >7286 bp or >9479 bp were predicted to hybridize with the probe following AseI and NsiI digests, respectively (Table 7). Single cry1Ac hybridization bands of about 7400 and >10000 bp were observed when AseI and NsiI digests were used, respectively. The hybridization of the probe to bands of this size suggests the presence of a single site of insertion for the cry1Ac gene in the soybean genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Restriction enzymes NotI and ApaLI were selected to perform a double digestion and to release a fragment which contains the cry1Ac plant transcription unit (PTU; promoter/gene/terminator) (Table 7). The predicted 4550 bp fragments were observed with the probe following NotI and ApaLI double digestion. Results obtained with the enzyme digestion of the pDAB9582.814.19.1 samples followed by probe hybridization indicated that an intact cry1Ac PTU from plasmid pDAB9582 was inserted into the soybean genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

The restriction enzymes NdeI and NsiI bind and cleave restriction sites in plasmid pDAB9582. Subsequently, these enzymes were selected to characterize the cry1F gene insert in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Border fragments of >5569 bp and >9479 were predicted to hybridize with the probe following the NdeI and NsiI digests, respectively (Table 7). Single cry1F hybridization bands of ˜7500 bp and >10000 bp were observed when NdeI and NsiI were used, respectively. The hybridization of the probe to bands of this size suggests the presence of a single site of insertion for the cry1F gene in the soybean genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Restriction enzyme, HindIII, was selected to release a fragment which contains the cry1F plant transcription unit (PTU; promoter/gene/terminator) (Table 7). The predicted 7732 bp fragment was observed with the probe following the HindIII digestions. Results obtained with the enzyme digestion of the pDAB9582.814.19.1 samples followed by probe hybridization indicated that an intact cry1F PTU from plasmid pDAB9582 was inserted into the soybean genome of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

Example 4.6 Absence of Backbone Sequences

Southern blot analysis was also conducted to verify the absence of the spectinomycin resistance gene (specR), On Rep element and replication initiation protein trfA (trf A element) in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. No specific hybridization to spectinomycin resistance, On Rep element or trf A element is expected when appropriate positive (pDAB9582 added to Maverick genomic DNA) and negative (Maverick genomic DNA) controls are included for Southern analysis. Following the NsiI digestion and hybridization with the specR specific probe, one expected size band of 15320 bp was observed in the positive control sample (pDAB9582 added to Maverick genomic DNA). The specR probe did not hybridize to samples of the negative control and soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Similarly, one expected size band of 15320 bp was detected in the positive control sample (pDAB9582 plus maverick) but absent from the samples of the negative control and soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 after NsiI digestion and hybridization with trfA probe. Another expected size band of 5329 bp was detected in the positive control sample (pDAB9582 added to Maverick genomic DNA) but absent from the samples of the negative control and soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 after NdeI digestion and hybridization with OriRep specific probe. These data indicate the absence of spectinomycin resistance gene, On Rep element and replication initiation protein trfA in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

Example 5 Agronomic and Yield Field Trial and Herbicide Tolerance

To test the agronomic characteristics and efficacy of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 the event was planted in an efficacy trial Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico in October 2010 and February 2011. The cultivar Maverick, which was originally transformed to produce event pDAB9582.814.19.1, was planted in each nursery and included as a control in the experiments. Seed for the T3 nursery was derived from single plant selections at the T2 stage and seed for the T4 nursery was derived from single plants selections at the T3 stage. Four lineages of the event were tested each generation. Each lineage was planted in a plot which was 4 rows wide and 7.5 feet long. The spacing between rows was 30 inches. Plots were grown under lights for approximately 2.5 weeks to compensate for the short day length in Puerto Rico. Each nursery was sprayed with glufosinate at a rate of 411 g ae/ha. One plot of the control plants, Maverick, was sprayed with the same rate of glufosinate and a second plot was non-sprayed and used as control comparison for the event.

Data was collected on emergence, general appearance, vigor, height, lodging, and maturity. Herbicide tolerance was assessed by visually looking for chlorosis, leaf necrosis and plant death (Table 8).

For comparisons of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 with Maverick, only data from the unsprayed block of Maverick were used. For comparison of the sprayed and non-sprayed treatments, data from the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 block sprayed with a given treatment were compared with data from the Maverick control non-sprayed block. Soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 showed tolerance to the glufosinate herbicide application. In contrast, none of the Maverick plants were tolerant to the herbicide treatments.

TABLE 8 Comparison of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 to Maverick. Values are averages from T₃ and T₄ nurseries. Each nursery of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was sprayed with glufosinate at the V3 stage at a rate of 411 g ae/ha. Appearance Vigor Emergence (1 = poor to (1 = poor to Height Lodging Maturity Event (%) 9 = good) 9 = good) (cm) (%) (day) pDAB9582.814.19.1 90 8 8 69 1 91 Maverick 82 8 8 64 1 91

Example 6 Characterization of Insecticidal Activity for Soybean Event 9582.814.19.1

Field and greenhouse evaluations were conducted to characterize the activity of Cry1Ac and Cry1F in soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 against lab reared soybean pests including Anticarsia gemmatalis (velvetbean caterpillar), Pseudoplusia includens (soybean looper) and Spodoptera frugiperda (fall armyworm). Soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was compared against non-transformed soybean variety Maverick, to determine the level of plant protection provided by the Cry1F and Cry1Ac proteins.

Greenhouse trials were conducted on approximately four week old plants. Fifteen plants were used to evaluate the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 and the Maverick control. For each insect species tested (Anticarsia gemmatalis, Pseudoplusia includes, and Spodoptera frugiperda) 3 leaf punches were made from each plant for a total of 45 leaf discs/plant/insect species. The 1.4 cm (1.54 cm²) leaf punches were placed in a test arena on top of 2% water agar, infested with one neonate larvae and sealed with a perforated plastic lid. Mortality and leaf consumption were rated 4 days after infestation. Larvae that were not responsive to gentle probing were considered dead. Leaf damage was assessed by visually scoring the percentage of leaf punch consumed by the insect.

Field evaluations were conducted by collecting leaf samples from seed increase nursery plots in Santa Isabel, Puerto Rico and sending these leaves to Indianapolis, Ind. for testing. The nursery plot for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was planted in February 2011 and consisted of approximately 180 plants arranged in four rows. Each row was 2.3 m long and spaced 76.2 cm apart; individual plants were spaced 5.1 cm apart within each row. In March 2011, one fully-expanded, mainstem trifoliate leaf, located approximately four nodes below the meristem, was excised from 10 soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 plants and 10 ‘Maverick’ plants. The leaves were placed in labeled plastic bags, (one per bag) and sealed. The bagged leaves were packed and transferred to the laboratory. In the laboratory, one or two 3.33 cm (1.31 in) diameter leaf discs were punched from each trifoliate leaf to provide a total of 16 leaf discs. Each leaf disc was placed a in test arena on top of 2% agar, infested with one neonate S. frugiperda larva, and sealed with a perforated plastic lid. The leaf discs were held in a controlled environment chamber for 7 days, at which time mortality and leaf consumption were rated. Larvae not responsive to gentle probing were considered dead. Leaf damage was assessed by visually scoring the percentage of leaf punch consumed by the insect.

The results obtained from these replicated experiments indicated the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 sustained significantly lower damage than the Maverick control plants for all insects tested. Thus, the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 has insecticidal activity over this broad host range.

Example 7 Sequence of Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1

SEQ ID NO:14 provides the sequence of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. This sequence contains the 5′ genomic flanking sequence, the T-strand insert of pDAB9582 and 3′ genomic flanking sequences. With respect to SEQ ID NO:14, residues 1-1400 are 5′ genomic flanking sequence, residues 1401-1536 are residues of a rearrangement from the pDAB9582 plasmid and 1537-13896 are residues of the pDAB9582 T-strand insert, and residues 13897-15294 are 3′ flanking sequence. The junction sequence or transition with respect to the 5′ end of the insert thus occurs at residues 1400-1401 of SEQ ID NO:14. The junction sequence or transition with respect to the 3′ end of the insert thus occurs at residues 13896 -13897 of SEQ ID NO:14.

It should be noted that progeny from soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 may have sequences which slightly deviate from SEQ ID NO:14. During the introgression and breeding process of introducing soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 into the genome of plant cells, it is not uncommon for some deletions or other alterations of the insert to occur. Moreover, errors in PCR amplification can occur which might result in minor sequencing errors. For example, flanking sequences listed herein were determined by generating amplicons from soybean genomic DNAs, and then cloning and sequencing the amplicons. It is not unusual to find slight differences and minor discrepancies in sequences generated and determined in this manner, given the many rounds of amplification that are necessary to generate enough amplicon for sequencing from genomic DNAs. One skilled in the art should recognize and be put on notice that any adjustments needed due to these types of common sequencing errors or discrepancies are within the scope of the subject invention. Thus, the relevant segment of the plasmid sequence provided herein might comprise some minor variations. Thus, a plant comprising a polynucleotide having some range of identity with the subject insert sequence is within the scope of the subject invention. Identity to the sequence of SEQ ID NO:14 can be a polynucleotide sequence having at least 90%, 91%, 92%, 93%, 94%, 95%, 96%, 97%, 98%, 99%, or 100% sequence identity with a sequence exemplified or described herein. Thus, some differences between SEQ ID NO:14 and soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 progeny plants may be identified and are within scope of the present invention.

Example 8 Event Specific TaqMan Assay

An event specific TAQMAN assay was developed to detect the presence of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 and to determine zygosity status of plants in breeding populations. Soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 contains the T-strand of the binary vector pDAB9582 (FIG. 1). For specific detection of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1, specific TAQMAN primers and probes were designed according to the DNA sequences located in the 5′ (SEQ ID NO:1) or 3′ (SEQ ID NO:2) insert-to-plant junction (FIG. 4). One event specific assay for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was designed to specifically detect a 229 bp DNA fragment that spans the 3′ integration junction using two primers and a target-specific MGB probe synthesized by Applied Biosystems (ABI) containing the FAM reporter at its 5′end. Specificity of this TAQMAN detection method for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was tested against 7 different events which contain the Cry1Ac and Cry1F PTUs and a control non-transgenic soybean variety (Maverick) in duplex format with the soybean specific endogenous reference gene, GMFL01-25-J19 (Glycine max cDNA, GenBank: AK286292.1).

Example 8.1 gDNA Isolation

gDNA samples of 7 different soybean events and non-transgenic soybean varieties were tested in this study. Genomic DNA was extracted using modified QIAGEN MAGATTRACT PLANT DNA KIT (Qiagen, Valencia, Calif.). Fresh soybean leaf discs, 8 per sample, were used for gDNA extraction. Samples were diluted with DNase-free water resulting in a concentration of approximately 10 ng/μL for the purpose of this study.

Example 8.2 TaqMan Assay and Results

Specific TAQMAN primers and probe were designed for a soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 specific TAQMAN assay. These reagents can be used with the conditions listed below to detect the transgene within soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1. Table 9 lists the primer and probe sequences that were developed specifically for the detection of soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1.

TABLE 9 TAQMAN PCR Primers and Probes. Name Description Sequence Event Target Reaction SEQ ID 81419_3′F Event specific forward TATGCATAGATGCACTCGAAATCA NO: 15 Primer SEQ ID 81419_3′R Event specific reverse GTTTCCACACCCTAGATCCGTATC NO: 16 Primer SEQ ID 81419_3′P Event specific probe 5′FAM/CCGCAATATGATATTCA-MGB NO: 17 used with 81419_3′F and 81419_3′R Reference Target Reaction SEQ ID GMS116 F Forward Primer GTAATATGGGCTCAGAGGAATGGT NO: 18 SEQ ID GMS116 R Reverse Primer ATGGAGAAGAACATTGGAATTGC NO: 19 SEQ ID GMS116 Probe 5′HEX/CCATGGCCCGGTACCATCTGGTC/3BHQ_1/3′ NO: 20 Probe

The multiplex PCR conditions for amplification are as follows: 1× Roche PCR Buffer, 0.4 μM event specific forward primer, 0.4 μM event specific reverse primer, 0.4 μM Primer GMS116 F, 0.4 μM Primer GMS116 R, 0.2 μM Event specific probe, 0.2 μM GMS116 Probe, 0.1% PVP, 6-20 ng gDNA in a total reaction of 10 μL. The cocktail was amplified using the following conditions: i) 95° C. for 10 min., ii) 95° C. for 10 sec, iii) 60° C. for 40 sec, iv) repeat step ii-iii for 40 cycles, v) 40° C. hold. The Real time PCR was carried out on the ROCHE LIGHTCYCLER 480. Data analysis was based on measurement of the crossing point (Cp value) determined by LIGHTCYCLER 480 software, which is the PCR cycle number in which the rate of change in fluorescence reaches its maximum.

The TAQMAN detection method for soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 was tested against 7 different events which contain the Cry1Ac and Cry1F PTUs and a non-transgenic soybean variety in duplex format with soybean specific endogenous reference gene, GMFL01-25-J19 (GenBank: AK286292.1). The assay specifically detected the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 and did not produce or amplify any false-positive results from the controls (i.e. the events which contain the Cry1Ac and Cry1F PTUs and a non-transgenic soybean variety). The event specific primers and probes can be used for the detection of the soybean event pDAB9582.814.19.1 and these conditions and reagents are applicable for zygosity assays.

Having illustrated and described the principles of the present invention, it should be apparent to persons skilled in the art that the invention can be modified in arrangement and detail without departing from such principles. We claim all modifications that are within the spirit and scope of the appended claims.

All publications and published patent documents cited in this specification are incorporated herein by reference to the same extent as if each individual publication or patent application was specifically and individually indicated to be incorporated by reference. 

1. A method of detecting Soybean Event pDAB9582.814.19.1 in a sample comprising soybean DNA, said method comprising: (a) contacting said sample with a first primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to a flanking sequence within bp 1-1400 of SEQ ID NO:1 or the complement thereof, and a second primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to an insert sequence within bp 1401-1836 of SEQ ID NO:1 or the complement thereof; and assaying for an amplicon generated between said primers; or (b) contacting said sample with a first primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to an insert sequence within bp 1-152 of SEQ ID NO:2 or the complement thereof, and a second primer at least 10 bp in length that selectively binds to flanking sequence within bp 153-1550 of SEQ ID NO:2 or the complement thereof; and assaying for an amplicon generated between said primers. 